Turkey's teenage archers aiming high for Olympic gold

ANTALYA, Turkey (AA) – Two teenagers who are carrying Turkey’s hopes for a medal in Olympic archery have told Anadolu Agency that they are aiming for at least a medal place.

Mete Gazoz and Yasemin Ecem Anagoz, both 17 years old, will fly the flag for Turkey in the upcoming Olympics in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

The pair qualified to represent Turkey at the world event back in May.

Gazoz and Anagoz booked their places in Rio after successfully competing at last month’s European Archery Championships in Nottingham, England.

Anagoz came the first in the women's competition while Gazoz came second in the men's tournament. They were dominant throughout their contests, and delivered performances which secured them a place at the Olympics.

Goktug Ergin, national team coach for the Turkish Archery Federation told Anadolu Agency: "The success came as a result of three years’ hard work."

He pointed out that the athletes had a busy schedule of training to be able to represent Turkey in Rio.

Anagoz and Gazoz, who are the youngest competitors in the country's squad, "have gained quite a lot of experience despite their age," Ergin added.

Gazoz is a student in Istanbul and started archery only six years ago, making his international debut in 2013.

Anagoz, also a student in western Izmir province, said she believed they would win a medal. She started the sport in 2011.

They are only two of more than 10,000 athletes who will compete in nearly 40 sports.

A large number of tourists are expected in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in August.

The archery competition is scheduled for the first week of the Olympics, which are to be held between Aug. 5-21.

*Anadolu Agency correspondent Humeyra Atilgan Buyukovali contributed to this story from Istanbul.